Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral

North America Oldest Orthodox Parish - Since 1794

Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in Kodiak, Alaska is North Americas oldest Orthodox parish, founded in 1794 by a Russian Orthodox mission. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 2001, and its current building, constructed in 1945, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Today the cathedral holds the holy relics of St. Herman of Alaska, drawing pilgrims from around the world year-round.

Above the reliquary of St. Herman burns a lampada that never goes out, a gift to the cathedral from Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow during his 1993 visit to Kodiak. Oil blessed from this lamp is given freely to pilgrims and used to anoint the sick. St. Herman Theological Seminary sits nearby, and the parish itself keeps a full liturgical life: Saturday evening Vigil, Sunday Divine Liturgy with classes for children, weekday Akathists to St. Herman, and special services throughout Great Lent.

The current cathedral building is actually the fourth on this site - the previous one was lost to fire, and the present structure, built in 1945, has remained the most recognized landmark in Kodiak ever since. If you find yourself on Kodiak Island, it is worth stopping in - this is a place where the living history of Russian America continues today.